81R2296 JTS-D
 
  By: Straus H.B. No. 347
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the establishment of railroad quiet zones outside the
  boundaries of certain municipalities.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 311, Transportation Code,
  is amended by adding Section 311.054 to read as follows:
         Sec. 311.054.  RAILROAD QUIET ZONE LOCATED OUTSIDE TYPE A
  GENERAL-LAW MUNICIPALITY. (a)  This section applies only to a Type
  A general-law municipality that is an enclave surrounded entirely
  by a municipality with a population of 1.1 million or more.
         (b)  The governing body of the general-law municipality may
  enter into an interlocal contract with the surrounding municipality
  for the establishment of a railroad quiet zone located outside the
  boundaries of the general-law municipality that the governing body
  determines will benefit the general-law municipality.
         (c)  A general-law municipality may expend municipal funds
  and may issue certificates of obligation or bonds to pay for
  expenses associated with a railroad quiet zone under Subsection
  (b), including expenses related to feasibility, engineering, and
  traffic studies and improvements related to the railroad quiet
  zone.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2009.